Page 197 of Huntress

“Did you let those fucking demons out? Clairemont’s body was found hours ago,” Trenton added, his flashlight swinging around until they noticed the grave. “What happened? Where’s your demon?”

Elsie buried the head of the shovel in the dirt and nodded at the pile. “I found Clairemont beating the shit out of my demon, exactly as I predicted.” She glared into Marley’s eyes. The healer had the grace to look uncomfortable.

“What happened?” she asked.

“I took his hands, and then I killed him. He broke something that belonged to me after I warned him never to touch it again.” Elsie glared into Marley’s eyes as she spoke.

Trenton broke the uncomfortable silence that followed. “And the demons?”

“Not my problem.”

Marley and Trenton shared a look, raising their eyebrows.

“What about Mutt?” Marley demanded.

“He touched me without permission, just like Grady,” she lied. “Now he’s dead, too.”

“Oh gods, she’s lost her mind,” Marley groaned, handing her flashlight to Trenton and approaching Elsie like a trapper trying to calm a wild animal. “It’s the pain medicine. I warned them that they were giving her too much, but I’m just a field medic, so what do I know, right? Idiots. Each and every one of them.”

Elsie didn’t argue. If the healer wanted to blame the deaths she’d caused today–real and fictional–on pain meds, she’d let her. She was just relieved they’d sent Trenton and Marley instead of Morgan, who would have immediately called her out on her lies.

“Don’t touch me,” she warned as Marley drew closer. She couldn’t stand the thought. Not when she’d never again touch the one person she’d chosen to tear her own heart out for.

“I won’t,” Marley promised. She pulled the shovel out of the ground and motioned toward Trenton. “Let’s get you back to the compound and clean you up. Look what you’ve done to all the work I put into healing you!”

“Don’t scold her, Mar.”

“Stay out of this,” Marley hissed back.

Elsie ignored them both. Miserable inside her own head, she spent the walk back imagining all the ways she’d apologize to Saint if she ever saw him again. There was only one thing left in the whole damned world she cared about, and she’d driven him away.

Chapter thirty-seven

Chapter 37

“What is it you would have me do with you?” Mordane asked. He’d called her to his office, the first time she’d left her rooms since Saint had…gone.

She winced, her shoulders curling inward, arms coming up to protect the searing hole in her chest. The same pain that flared whenever thoughts of him crossed her mind, which was nearly constant.

“Let me wither in the dark until my mother comes.”

“You’re too valuable for me to agree to that. I can’t leave my best weapon sitting on the table when a threat arrives.”

Elsie tilted her head, too emotionally exhausted to sneer. “A weapon is useless if the blade refuses to cut. I won’t hunt for you. Not anymore.”

Mordane sat back in his chair, tapping a finger on his desk. “You want to know what I think? I think that after releasing eighteen demons into my compound, you, Elspeth Chantraine, will do as you’re told.”

One corner of her lips raised. “Have they requested their transfers yet?”

“Who?”

“My entire squad. We had a mediation session the same day you and the rest of command conveniently hauled ass out of here in time to avoid the centipede your good buddy Cornick sent us. Not one of them wishes to remain under my command. I no longer captain a squad, and harbor no will to fight. We’re stuck with each other, Arnold. Put a broom in my hand, and I’ll sweep the floors. That’s the best you’re going to get out of me, and if you try to force me into anything else, I’ll empty that barn again the second you fill it up.”

“Nobody from your squad has come to me with any requests. You’ve been given one hell of a promotion. You’re a commanding officer, above any field or nest squad.”

“What does my unwanted promotion have to do with my refusal to kill on your behalf? Not denying Cornick’s involvement is pretty bold.” She leaned forward, propping her elbows on his desk. “I met his witches in the woods. I know he sent them to summon the centipede, and your absence was noted during the fight.”

“You’re the only witness to this mythical event, and with your behavior over the past year, you are not a credible witness.”